'Moana' Open Casting Call Begins for Live

Sep 26, 2023

An open casting call has just been released for the role of Moana in the upcoming live-action remake of the same name.

.@DisneyStudios is searching for Pacific Islander / Pasifika actors who can sing to play Moana in the live-action adaptation of @DisneyMoana! No acting experience required. Submissions, questions and inquiries must be sent to [email protected] pic.twitter.com/mZQV2i50RE

[MOANA] Actor to play a character that is Female, 16, Pacific Islander, heroic, bold and adventurous, Moana, the daughter of their village's Chief, feels isolated on her home island of Motunui, yearning for purpose and curious about what lies beyond their reef. Despite her father's protests, and emboldened by her Gramma's encouragement, the intuitive and courageous Moana embarks on a dangerous quest, sailing beyond the reef and using her strength and intelligence to overcome epic obstacles along the way. Although following her curiosity and searching for for her own identity, Moana is never selfish, she is determined to fulfill the quest of her ancestors and save her people…STRONG SINGER

No prior acting experience is required, but only those with a strong singing voice will be considered. Anyone interested is prompted to send their name, photo, and current base to the email provided.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures is seeking someone to portray the lead protagonist after her original voice actor (Auli’i Cravalho) recently announced she would not be reprising the role.

When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana's courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength. I am truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that helped inspired her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.

Auli’i debuted the wayfaring lead's character in the animated feature, and additionally provided Moana's Hawaiian-language voice in a partnership with the University of Hawai’i system, especially its West O’ahu campus. She also portrays the titular role in "Gone Fishing" (a 2017 short) and joined several other Disney Princess cameos in "Ralph Breaks the Internet."

At Disney's April shareholders meeting, Dwayne Johnson appeared with his two daughters and a massive Maui hook, revealing the new film was in the works with his direct involvement.

The original film grossed almost $683 million worldwide, placing it among the top five financial performances for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film since 1994. A musical with intricate artistry and adventurous spirit, it also prioritized a respectful and culturally immersive celebration of people and environments across the Pacific Ocean's countless islands. The two leads embodied this: Dwayne Johnson spent much of his life in Hawai’i and has family heritage rooted in Sāmoa, whilst Auli’i Cravalho is both kamaʻāina (someone of the land, referring to those who have called Hawai’i home regardless of ancestry) and kānaka (referring to someone who is of Native Hawaiian ancestry).

The ʻāina (land) is central to Hawaiian culture and life, reflected in the motto of Hawai’i first uttered by King Kamehameha III: Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono — the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. It will be interesting to see how a live-action re-telling of this story incorporates the landscape of the islands and the message of ensuring their health and well-being.

Do you know anybody who might be perfect for this opportunity? Which Disney character have you always dreamed of portraying in a major motion picture? Let us know in the comments.

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Originally from Los Angeles and Honolulu, Jonathan is a fan of cinema and theme parks who grew up on the original California Disneyland, and nurtures a particular admiration in Orlando for EPCOT and Disney's Animal Kingdom. His favorite resort on Earth would be Disneyland Paris, which doesn't seem to get the full admiration it deserves. You can find him in the Hufflepuff Common Room by the kitchens at [email protected]

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